Effect of Coarse and Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregates on the Performance of Geopolymer Concrete

This paper examines the performance of geopolymer concrete containing coarse and fine recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in terms of strength and durability properties. The durability properties were accessed in terms of capillary suction, initial surface absorption and acid attack. The strength was evaluated in terms of compressive strength. Non-destructive tests were also conducted such as ultra-sonic pulse velocity and electrical resistivity on all geopolymer concrete mixes. It has been observed that the geopolymer concrete mix with a combination of 100% coarse and 25% fine RCA shows nearby similar compressive strength compared to the geopolymer concrete made with 100% natural aggregates (NA). However, with further increase in fine RCA content beyond 25% along with 100% coarse RCA an adverse effect on both strength and durability properties was observed. The study has demonstrated that RCA utilization in the production of geopolymer concrete can greatly contribute to a sustainable environment.